Monday, June 25, 2012

Pronunciation teaching depressing? In a phonological phunk? Try some Tai Chi!

Clipart: Clker
This is a fun article from the UK Independent (not exactly @ the top of the list of my favorite sources of research studies . . . ) on the potential effect of Tai Chi on depression. The claims for the benefits of Tai Chi are extensive, from bigger brains, to longer life . . . to antidepressant. One of the EHIEP protocols, in fact, is termed the "Tai Chi fluency protocol," inspired by watching amazingly flexible and "tranquil-looking" seniors do Tai Chi every morning out in front of my apartment in Japan. In addition to bilateral brain engagement (basically making both hands touch on every pedagogical movement pattern), each of the protocols has at least one other distinct meta-function:
Clipart: Clker

  • Warm up Protocol - Expanding the visual and physical field of operation
  • Body Flexibility Protocol - Muscle flexibility of the face, shoulders and hips
  • Vowel Resonance Protocol - Focus vowel centers (between the eyes, voice box and upper chest)
  • Matrix Anchoring Protocol - Precision of node positions (points where hands touch)
  • Vowel/Word stress Protocol - Establish relative conceptual, spatial and haptic "distances" between vowels
  • Sensuous Syllable Butterfly Protocol - In addition to bilateral grounding (bringing the learner back into the room, etc.), establish the felt sense of English rhythm groups--up to 7 syllables
  • Touch-i-nami (intonation) Protocol - Anchor basic intonation contours and expressiveness
  • Tai Chi Fluency Protocol - Fluency and expansion of general pitch range
  • Rhythmic Feet FIght Club - Compact conversational phrases and anchor pause structure
  • Baton Integration Protocol - Integrate most of the above . . . 

If one of those won't "move" you and your class out of a temporary "phonological funk," nothing will!

No comments:

Post a Comment